What is Governor Ritter so afraid of? Apparently showing Colorado taxpayers how their money is spent. Amy Oliver, Director of the Colorado Spending Transparency Project, had this to say in a press release:

“That’s a loophole big enough to hide much of the government spending Coloradans demand to see,” said Amy Oliver, director of the Independence Institute’s Colorado Transparency Project (COST). “Put the details in front of taxpayers, and let them decide.”

The state’s General Assembly meanwhile is considering House Bill 1288, the Colorado Taxpayer Transparency Act, which would create a detailed online searchable database of state government financial transactions. State Representative BJ Nikkel’s bill enjoys significant bi-partisan support and would provide more detail.

“Coloradans would be better off with transparency in statute, something that could only be changed by an open process that includes citizen input,” Oliver said. “As for the governor’s order we’ll have to wait and see, but this really isn’t a promising start.”

Other states have generated real efficiencies through spending transparency. For example, Texas’ “Where the Money Goes” website with detailed information down to the pen and pencil level has allowed the state to realize nearly $4 million in cost savings.

The Independence Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit public policy research organization based in Golden, Colo.
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